From The Straits Times    |
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A couple of weeks ago I was attending the opening event of an international luxury label wearing a fantastic black and white tweed a-line skirt I picked up from Singapore fashion label Chalk’s last collection.

Surrounded by Singapore’s top fashionistas, I wasn’t surprised when stylish woman after stylish woman – and a number of stylish men as well – complimented me on the skirt.

I proudly pointed out that it was from a young Singapore label, Chalk created by Priscilla Tan. One local legend had the balls to point out that I, a non-Singaporean, was wearing local fashion, while all the Singaporean stylistas were wearing almost exclusively foreign labels.

Much sheepish muttering ensued. Still, it proved a point as far as I was concerned; Singapore’s fashion designers are good enough to stand up to anything on the international stage.

When asked why I choose to buy and wear local designers, my answer invariably includes these points:

  1. I don’t earn a huge amount of money so I can’t afford luxury branded design
  2. I hate wearing the same stuff as everyone else ie. high street labels
  3. I like supporting creative people

So, to my mind buying and wearing the beautifully-made, small run (ie. few pieces) collections of local designers solves my three major fashion dilemmas.

  1. The prices are not expensive. The skirt I bought from Chalk cost about $100, the same price or cheaper than most international high street or mastige labels
  2. The small run means there are a limited number of each design sold in Singapore
  3. Singapore’s fashion designers are generally walking a lonely and difficult path to success

I would recommend anyone interested in truly being a fashionista seek out the great local fashion labels and give it a try; there are styles and price points for most preferences available in Singapore.

As for Chalk, I’m terribly excited about its latest collection. Priscilla names all her collections – and all her creations – as a way to not only differentiate each range, but also as part of her particular design philosophy.

The Fall 2010 range, She is Annie, comes from Priscilla’s musings about what Annie Hall would be like in 2010. According to Priscilla, she’d be a “post-modern, intellectual and eternally conflicted about NOT being conflicted”.

If the philosophy is too much, don’t panic, basically the collection includes dresses and outfits perfect for the modern working woman.

The Chalk style is ladylike without being too cutesy, there are bows but they’re elegant rather than childish, and the detailing in piping, buttons and linings is meticulous giving the garments a couture quality.

I once described Chalk as being “grown-up-Lolita” with a structured twist. She is Annie continues in this vein, but with an added 1960s vibe. The shift dresses are cut to fall softly around the hips, making the designs wearable for woman of all shapes and sizes.

Tops are softly blouson but with tailored necklines for work-smart style; skirts are pleated – echoing current international trends – or nicely a-line. All in all, this is a very wearable collection.

There are 18 styles in a number of colours, but they are all able to be worn together in various combinations. The fabrics are all from Japan or Italy and include cotton linen, chiffon, sateen, jersey and tricot. Prices range from about $119 for a top to about $229 for a fully lined dress.

The garments are all made in Singapore and there are only 12 of each design available, so you are pretty unlikely to see another in your office.

The Chalk standalone shop is at Parco Marina Bay, #P2-30K Millennia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard. The label is also available at Soon Lee, 73 Haji Lane; To the Nines, #05-03 Orchard Central; Odette, #02-29 Chevron House and online at www.cate.com.sg

Watch the Chalk fashion video collaboration with Bayard Studios, New York: vimeo.com/15150151

SEE IMAGES FROM THE SHE IS ANNIE LOOKBOOK: